After pushing through their regular seasons for successful outcomes (the Forney Jackrabbits at 9-1 and the second seed in district, and the Port Arthur Memorial Titans right behind them at 8-2 as the third seed in district), the Jackrabbits and the Titans faced off for the bi-district championship title last Friday. The Titans were familiar with the routine, after making a run for the state title last year and being crowned area champions. For the Rabbits, things were a bit more fresh as they would be making their second playoff appearance after a 5-year drought and being eliminated in the first round by the Barber Hill Eagles last year. However, the newcomer Jackrabbits ended up securing the victory in the end with a 44-7 score.
The Jackrabbits started with the ball to begin a surprisingly slow first quarter. After a run for no gain thanks to the Titans defense, a dropped pass, and two incomplete passes, the Rabbits had to surrender the ball to the Titans. However, the Titans didn’t have it any easier–especially with the “Darkside Defense” lining up against them. Senior defensive back and Oregon commit Aaron Flowers secured a tackle within the first two minutes of the quarter, senior defensive back Joshua Gatlin and sophomore offensive lineman Landry Hopkins joined forces for a takedown for a loss of three yards, senior Tristan “Tank” Bennett got a stop at the 38-yard line for a loss of three yards, a Titan player was forced out of bounds by junior lineman Kelvion Riggins, and to top things off, sophomore kicker Oscar Salgado’s attempt was tipped by Gatlin. The Jackrabbits gained possession of the ball again, and although the offense made an honorable attempt to put up points, including senior quarterback Kyle Crawford firing off two complete passes to senior wide receiver Kofi Eduful, the quarter ended with an unfortunate tie of 0-0.
However, if there’s one thing that watching football has taught anyone, it’s that the tide doesn’t stay the same for long. Sophomore
running back Javian Osborne, who has rushed for over 1000 yards this season, secured Forney the first touchdown of the game. A kick by Rabbit sophomore kicker Vincent Hart added to the Jackrabbit lead. Hopkins took down another Titans player, and Titan junior running back Ja’coryn Baker was pulled down at the line of scrimmage. Things were looking good for the Rabbits when the second quarter ended with the scoreboard saying “7-0 Forney”. But the tables turned once again when a Titan sophomore running back scored a touchdown within the first two minutes of the third quarter. The Rabbits weren’t able to disrupt Salgado’s kick, putting the Titans at the same seven-point score. It seemed like it could have been anyone’s game until Osborne regained his usual momentum and secured his second touchdown of the game with a little over 9 minutes left in the quarter. After Wall successfully sent a kick in, Osborne ran to secure his third touchdown with 6:41 left. With a Wall kick putting the score at 21-7, the win seemed to be in Jackrabbit territory again. Sophomore wide receiver Imari Jehiel caught Crawford’s 13-yard pass to get them to the 34-yard line, where he promptly caught the ball in the endzone for another Jackrabbit touchdown for a 27-7 score with 5:17 left (28 with Wall’s kick). Junior wide receiver Orin Gee secured Forney enough yardage for Osborne to be able to get ahold of the ball again for a 26-yard dash and cruise into the endzone. Wall’s kick got them to 35-7, and a Titan high snap followed by a fumble led to the Rabbits receiving the 2-point safety conversion (credited to Flowers) for Forney to end the third quarter with an additional 30 points. The Rabbits secured the last set of points in the game when Crawford threw from the 40 for senior wide receiver Alex Perin to get an endzone touchdown, ending the game at 44-7 Jackrabbits.
For the Titans, this will be the last time that the Class of 2024 suits up for Friday Night Lights, seniors who have all contributed greatly to the Port Arthur football program. For the Jackrabbits, this is the start of something new, as they head on over to the Allen Eagle Stadium this Friday to play Frisco Lone Star for an area appearance. If they win, they’ll be paired up against the winner of the Richland-Barber Hill game (projected to be Barber Hill). Regardless of the outcomes, let’s take a moment to give a round of applause to all of these talented athletes across all of these rosters who have proven their dedication and loyalty to their sport and their teams.
For updated information about this Friday’s game, visit www.jackrabbitathletics. com.
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